‘It’s been a wonderful ride.’ Keller Fossil Ridge’s Baccarini retires from coaching
Keller Fossil Ridge head football coach Tony Baccarini announced his retirement from coaching on Tuesday after 17 seasons with the Panthers and 33 years overall.
Baccarini said he will continue to be around the game, but with analytics. He also said a big reason for the move was schedule, having worked seven days a week for most of the year during his tenure.
“I was offered a job I couldn’t pass up. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Baccarini said.
“We moved to Keller 17 years ago and it’s such a special place to me and my family. It’s been a wonderful ride.”
Baccarini won nearly 100 games at Fossil Ridge and went to the playoffs 10 times, including six straight from 2013-18. The Panthers won two undefeated district titles in 2007 and 2017.
In 2017, Fossil Ridge went 10-0 in the regular season and won District 3-6A. The Panthers went 9-4 in 2013 and reached the regional round of the playoffs.
“I’ll miss the players and coaches. I’ve had coaches that’s been here 10, 15 years. Those guys have been tremendous,” Baccarini said. “All my kids graduated from here. Keller ISD has been great and very special to us.”
Before Fossil Ridge, Baccarini spent time at Brownsboro, Kilgore Junior College, Trinity Valley Junior College and South Garland.
“I’m most proud of our kids’ success in college,” he said. “Last spring, we had players graduate from Navy, Air Force, Harvard and many more.”
